Ethan decided to take a brief moment of solitude before the crucial meeting with the other pack leaders. He traversed to his personal quarters and entered the en-suite bathroom, ready to cleanse both his body and mind.

Turning on the water, Ethan stepped into the warm shower, relishing the comforting sensation of warm droplets cascading over his well-built physique. The sensation of the water against his skin served as a temporary respite from the weight of his responsibilities, allowing him to momentarily set aside his worries and focus on the present.

As the water enveloped him, Ethan closed his eyes, letting his senses absorb the familiar scents of his favorite soap and shampoo.The air grew heavy with steam, enveloping the space in a soothing mist that appeared to absolve him of the accumulated tension.

He took slow, deliberate breaths, allowing the rhythmic sound of the water hitting the tiles to drown out the noise of his racing thoughts. With each exhale, he released a fraction of the pent-up stress, feeling the weight lift from his broad shoulders.

As the minutes passed, Ethan allowed himself to fully embrace the tranquility of the moment. His mind cleared, leaving space for renewed determination and a heightened focus. The water served as a symbolic cleansing, washing away distractions and fortifying his resolve for the upcoming meeting that Ivan had organized with the leaders of the neighbouring packs.

Ethan's thoughts turned to Maya, her image accompanied by a sense of longing intertwined with immense love. He imagined the day when they could stand side by side, victorious, their pack secure, and their love celebrated.

With a final sigh, Ethan reluctantly shut off the shower, stepping out. He wrapped a towel around his waist, feeling the refreshing breeze touch his moist skin. While drying himself, his mind once again turned to the magnitude of the mission ahead.

Clad in fresh attire befitting his role as the alpha of the Moonstone pack, Ethan left his private quarters, the scent of soap still lingering on his skin. His steps were purposeful as he made his way through the pack house towards the meeting hall.

As he entered the meeting hall, Ethan's presence commanded attention. The other alphas stood in a semi-circle, their expressions reflecting a mix of respect and curiosity. Their eyes turned to him as he approached, their attention firmly fixed on the alpha whose reputation preceded him.

Ethan's gaze met each leader's in turn, acknowledging their presence with a nod of recognition. It was important to him that each of them felt valued and understood the significance of their unity in this pivotal moment.

The first to catch his eye was Alpha Gabriel of the Silver Ridge pack, a seasoned leader known for his swift and strategic maneuvers. Gabriel's intense amber eyes conveyed a sense of determination, mirroring Ethan's own unwavering resolve.

"Gabriel," Ethan welcomed him, offering a hand in salutation. "Thank you for standing with us in this fight. Your pack's agility and battle prowess will be vital to our triumph."

Gabriel grasped Ethan's hand firmly, their handshake serving as a symbol of their shared commitment. "Ethan, it's an honor to join forces with the Moonstone pack. We've long awaited this opportunity to strike against Lucas and restore balance to our lands."

As their hands released, Ethan turned his attention to Alpha Serena, the leader of the Crimson Claw pack. Her fiery red hair matched her fierce spirit, and her piercing green eyes held a glimmer of excitement.

"Serena," Ethan greeted her warmly. "Your pack's loyalty and ferocity in battle are legendary. Together, we will show Lucas the strength of our united front."

Serena nodded, a flicker of pride evident in her eyes. "Ethan, it's an honor to fight alongside the Moonstone pack. We've long been waiting for a chance to challenge Lucas and reclaim what is rightfully ours."

Ethan's gaze then shifted to Alpha Johan, the leader of the Nightshade pack, known for their stealthiness. Johan's silver eyes gleamed with intelligence, and the subtle smirk on his face hinted at a strategic plan forming in his mind.

"Johan," Ethan acknowledged him with a nod. "Your pack's expertise in covert operations will be invaluable in our mission. We need to weaken Lucas from within before we strike."

Johan's smirk widened into a grin. "Ethan, it's a pleasure to collaborate with the Moonstone pack. We've been watching Lucas closely, gathering information, and we're ready to make our move when the time is right."

Ethan took his place at the head of the table, his posture radiating confidence and authority. His gaze swept across the room, meeting the expectant eyes of his pack members and the leaders who had gathered to fight alongside them.

"Thank you all for being here," Ethan addressed the room, his voice commanding attention. "We stand together against Lucas, against the darkness that has plagued our lands for far too long. Today, we begin the journey towards a future where justice and freedom reign. Together, we shall prevail."

As the meeting progressed, the atmosphere in the hall was charged with anticipation. Ethan led the discussion, outlining the strategic plan and emphasizing the importance of each pack's unique skills in the upcoming battle against Lucas. The leaders and their pack members exchanged ideas, sharing insights and strategies, weaving a web of unity and purpose.

As Ethan delved into the details of their strategic plan, discussing the coordination of their forces and the various stages of their mission, a hushed silence fell over the meeting hall. The leaders leaned in attentively, their focus solely on the alpha's words. But just as Ethan was about to outline a crucial aspect of their operation, a guard burst into the room, his breath heavy and urgency etched across his face. The room's attention shifted from Ethan to the guard, their eyes widening with concern.

Ethan's heart skipped a beat as he locked eyes with the guard, silently urging him to speak. The room held its breath, awaiting the news that had interrupted their important meeting.

The guard approached Ethan cautiously, his voice lowered but filled with urgency. "Alpha Ethan, I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's been an incident. It's Ilonka, she has been taken away."